Strategies to Create Neurodiverse-Affirming Care

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent patients starts with small, intentional changes. This resource offers practical strategies for healthcare providers to better understand sensory needs, support communication differences, and reduce barriers to care. These recommendations come from Autistic mothers, drawing directly from their lived experiences and suggestions. By affirming neurodiversity, providers can foster trust, improve health outcomes, and ensure every patient feels seen, heard, and respected.

Ask About Your Patient’s Sensory Preferences

Providers should ask patients about their sensory preferences because everyone experiences the world differently. By understanding a patient’s sensory needs, such as preferences for light, sound, touch, or smell, providers can create a more comfortable and supportive environment. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and sensory overload, allowing patients to feel more at ease and engaged in their care. Asking about these preferences shows respect for their individual needs and promotes a more positive healthcare experience.

 
 

Visual

  • Ways to ask about preferences

    • Would you prefer if I lowered the lighting and used the lamp instead?

    • Do you want to wear sunglasses or a hat while you're here?

    • Do you want us to turn off screens or reduce movement in the room?

  • Examples of visual triggers

    • Bright or harsh lighting

    • Overhead fluorescent lighting

    • Busy or cluttered environments

    • Strained or intense eye contact

  • Examples of visual soothers

    • Dim or low lighting

    • Natural lighting or sunlight

    • Utilizing lamps rather than overhead lighting

    • Nature scenes or calming colors 

  • You may also find it helpful to encourage your patients to bring a hat or sunglasses to wear in the waiting or exam rooms 

 
 

Auditory

  • Ways to ask about preferences

    • Would you prefer it if I turned off the monitor sounds?

    • Would headphones or earplugs help you feel better?

  • Example of auditory triggers

    • Loud noises

    • Background noise

    • Crowded or busy environments

    • Repetitive or constant sound

  • Examples of auditory soothers

    • Soft, instrumental music

    • White noise

    • Ear plugs 

    • Headphones 

    • Let the patient know they can bring their own headphones so that they can listen to their own music. You can encourage them to make a playlist ahead of their scheduled appointment of music they know is soothing, so they can feel more comfortable while waiting. 

 
 

Olfactory

  • Ways to ask about preferences

    • I understand the smell of the cleaning products may be overwhelming. Would essential oils make you feel more comfortable?

    • Would you like us to open a window, use a fan, or move to a scent-free area?

    • Should we avoid using scented products while you're here?

  • Examples of olfactory triggers

    • Strong or overpowering scents

    • Chemical smells

    • Cleaning products

    • Perfumes and colognes

  • Examples of olfactory soothers

    • Essential oils (lavender, chamomile, etc.)

    • Aromatherapy sachets

    • Scented lotions 

    • Essential oils or a diffuser can help create a calming environment, but scents should be subtle, as some individuals may be very sensitive 

 
 

Tactile

  • Ways to ask about preferences

    • I’ve warmed the ultrasound gel and am going to put it on your belly. Is it okay if I touch you?

    • Is anything we’re using, like the gown, gloves, or sheets, bothering you?

    • Would it help to have more control over when and how we do physical exams?

  • Examples of tactile triggers

    • Baggy or tight clothing

    • Light or gentle touch

    • Sensitivity to temperature

    • Sensitivity to certain fabrics

  • Examples of soothers

    • Limiting touch

    • Deep pressure

    • Heating pads or cold packs

    • Soft textures 

    • It can be helpful to discuss clothing options (bringing a robe, slippers, pajamas, etc.) that the patient can bring with them to the hospital or to their appointments to make their experience more comfortable. 

    • You may also want to have blankets available or let patients know they can bring their own to appointments.

 
 

Environmental

  • Ways to ask about preferences

    • Would it make you more comfortable to go immediately to an exam room to wait rather than the waiting room?

    • Would you like us to reduce the number of people in the room or reduce distractions?

    • Would you prefer a more private space or a room with less movement or noise?

  • Examples of environmental triggers

    • Unpredictable or rapidly changing environments

    • Harsh or uncomfortable seating

    • Small talk and loud background music

    • Unexpected and unpredictable movements from others

  • Examples of environmental soothers

    • Quiet and secluded areas

    • Cozy and comfortable seating

    • Incorporating natural elements (plants, natural lighting)

    • Going immediately to an exam room rather than the waiting room

 

Offering stimming or fidget items

Providing stimming tools or fidgets and encouraging patients to bring them to appointments can be incredibly helpful for neurodivergent individuals.

- Helps patients manage sensory overload, reduce anxiety, and stay focused during their visit.

- Creates a more comfortable space where patients can regulate themselves in a way that feels natural.

- Helps patients feel more in control, reducing stress and making it easier for them to engage in their care.

 

Support Your Patient’s Communication Styles

  • Add a section on the intake form that asks about neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD, etc.), intellectual disabilities, sensory processing disorders, etc., which can help the patient feel more comfortable and can help to normalize these conversations in medical spaces

  • Give all instructions and resources in writing

  • Allow the patient time to process information before making a decision (if possible)

  • Visual birth plan templates allow the patient to choose their preferences regarding the environment, pain management, etc.

  • Talk through all problems that may arise during labor and delivery, and come up with potential solutions; more information can reduce anxiety from the unknown

  • Provide pictures of waiting rooms, offices, etc., on your website so patients can know what to expect before walking in 

  • Discuss appointment frequency (once a month, every two weeks, etc.) and updates on waiting time, as waiting rooms can cause discomfort and be overwhelming

 

Offer different seating options

Traditional chairs in waiting rooms can be uncomfortable or overwhelming, especially for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

By providing choices like softer chairs, quieter spots, or areas with less visual and noise stimulation, you can help patients feel more comfortable and in control. This simple adjustment can reduce anxiety, improve their experience, and make it easier for them to engage in their care.

We also recommend having office music as instrumental and at a low volume.

 

Offer Alternative Ways to Connect with Your Patient

Offer a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section on your website and access to an email address so patients can request information in writing, rather than having to call the office. This will reduce barriers and increase accessibility to knowledge and resources.

 

Neurodivergent Parent Handout

Healthcare Providers Handout